Romualdez expected to arrive in Payatas jail at ‘12 midnight’ — Remulla

MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez could be detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas by “12 midnight” on Tuesday, Interior chief Jonvic Remulla confirmed on Monday.

Earlier, there were reports that Romualdez will arrive at the jail facility no later than 6 p.m. 

On Monday noon, the Sandiganbayan Third Division ordered to transfer the custody of Romualdez to the jail facility from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).

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READ: Sandiganbayan orders Romualdez’s transfer to QC jail in Payatas

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This order was made after the testimony of PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi, who told the court that Romualdez can be discharged at any time since he was medically stable, based on the examination done by a dozen specialists of the premier state-run hospital.

READ: Romualdez can be discharged from PGH, says hospital director

The Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesperson Jayrex Bustinera said the bureau has received the commitment order from the Sandiganbayan.

“The BJMP will implement the transfer at any time today,” Bustinera said in a statement.

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Romualdez had been confined in the PGH since Saturday after being discharged from the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, where the arrest warrant against him was served on Sept. 7.

An arrest warrant was issued by this court against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and two others for plunder involving alleged kickbacks worth P7.44 billion. 

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Romualdez said he respects the decision of the court.

“I have always said that I will face the charges against me and answer them before the proper court,” he said in a statement. “That has not changed. I maintain my innocence.” /das